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We're just a few days removed from the next big WWE pay-per-view, Extreme Rules. This week's episode of RAW was the final pit-stop before the big show comes around. Did WWE produce a winner ahead of the massive pay-per-view event this weekend? In my opinion, it was a real mixed bag.
There was certainly a lot to like about the show. But the amount of filler during the show was quite overwhelming. Moreover, some of the scripting was rather disappointing, especially when it comes to dialogue, appearing forced and unnatural.
It's time for me to weigh in and glance back at the three hours of action that just transpired. I invite you folks to leave a comment and let us know if you liked or disliked RAW this week.
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This is my assessment of RAW...
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#1 Best: Massive match confirmed
Braun Strowman has terrorized poor Kevin Owens over the past few weeks to no end. So much so, that Owens even complained to Shania Twain about Strowman. Twain promised to sing his favourite song if Owens managed to beat Strowman in a match in the future. Well, Owens finally has the opportunity to impress Shania Twain!
This week on RAW, Owens locked himself in Kurt Angle's office to escape the wrath of the Monster in the Bank. Except Strowman did enter the room later, at the behest of the RAW General Manager. This was to confirm a match between Strowman and Owens inside this massive and towering steel structure.
This match makes logical sense because it does not allow Owens to run away like he usually does from the Monster Among Men. Knowing how gifted both men are, I'm sure this match can potentially steal the show at Extreme Rules.
#1 Worst: Missed opportunity?
From what I understand, the current, prevailing storyline is that Brock Lesnar does not particularly care for the Universal Championship, right? This story could have been furthered on RAW, with Reigns mentioning how Lesnar cares more about UFC than his Universal Championship. With Lesnar being the talk of two worlds right now, I felt it was a missed opportunity. There was no mention of Lesnar on RAW.
Sure, they can always go back to the storyline after Extreme Rules is done and dusted. I just feel it'll be too late by then.
#2 Best: Hot start
Roman Reigns and Bobby Lashley had a face-off at the top of the show, this week. The two men eventually came to blows in the ring shortly thereafter. It was the perfect way to start RAW off.
The two men seem like absolute beasts heading into Extreme Rules. The fact that the whole locker room couldn't contain them proves that they're at a different level from the rest of the roster, at least in kayfabe.
Sadly, WWE couldn't maintain the momentum that they had at the top of the show, for the remainder of the episode.
Both men even cut excellent promos during the show. I'm actually a little excited about their match now!
#2 Worst: Top stars buried?
Babyfaces and heels alike, some of whom are feuding, united to separate Reigns and Lashley this week. I thought this was an incredibly silly move. Moreover, I did not agree with making Finn Balor a part of this pack. I've always thought that he's been a step above the rest of the talent, in terms of hierarchy. This week's segment killed his character.
What I did like is how Balor took a shot at Corbin during the opening segment. That still did not set things right for me, really. The upper mid-card guys should have been left out of this run-in.
#3 Best: Massive upset
Seth Rollins may not be the biggest star on RAW, but scoring a victory over him is no mean feat. Even if the victory comes with interference from Ziggler. McIntyre impressed in the main event of RAW on this week's show. As always, Seth Rollins was pretty awesome as well!
Is this setting things up for a big turn at Extreme Rules? Let me know in the comments. It is clear that great things are in store for the towering and talented Scotsman.
#3 Worst: Therapy sessions
I know I haven't given this storyline enough time to develop. But I think both Sasha Banks and Bayley will be better served if they're allowed to slug it out. This counselling storyline is a disservice to their talents. It seems to have lost direction.
Look at this Tweet from Banks. Is it a cry for help to her fans to save her from substandard writing? I'm coming, Sasha!
#4 Best: Top guys to enter the title picture?
Fans of The Revival know that they deserve better than how they've been booked on RAW in previous months. After weeks of pointlessly battling Roman Reigns and Bobby Lashley, they appear to have entered the tag team title picture. Or so it seemed judging from the fact that they were watching the action backstage. It would be exciting to see them transform the tag team division and elevate it to the next level again!
#4 Worst: Jinder Mahal
I keep repeating this every single week and will continue to do so. A lot of things on RAW make me cringe. Nothing makes me cringe as much as Jinder Mahal's segments do. They're not funny, entertaining or even relevant to anything!
How does WWE Creative reduce a former world champion to this level? It boggles the mind! I really do hope they invest in his character to a little extent.
If not, there may be bad news for them. The Goddess may attack them with a kendo stick!
